Perpich Center picks temporary leader to help fix problems

Perpich Center for Arts Education will have an interim leader while board members search for a new executive director.

Peg Birk of Minneapolis-based Interim Solutions, which helps nonprofits that are changing leadership, is expected to begin Thursday, Feb. 16.

Executive director Sue Mackert retired in January after working for Perpich for six years.

Perpich, a state agency with an $11 million budget, advances arts education throughout the state and operates Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley and Crosswinds Arts and Science School in Woodbury.

Birk’s appointment follows release of a state legislative auditor’s report that was critical of Perpich, saying mismanagement led to poor staff morale, decreasing enrollment and lower student test scores. The auditor’s office conducted the inquiry after parents of some Perpich students complained to legislators.

In a statement announcing her hiring, Birk noted the report’s findings.

“We certainly will be guided by the recent financial and program audits from the Office of the Legislative Auditor,” Birk said. “In fact, work in this direction has already begun by members of the board and staff at the agency.”

The majority of the 14-member Perpich board, which is appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton, has been replaced in the past year.

The auditor’s report also prompted some state lawmakers to signal that Perpich may be in need of a legislative overhaul.

Chair Benjamin Vander Kooi said the Perpich board expected to hire a permanent executive director this spring. Birk is not a candidate for the permanent post.

Birk has held many leadership roles around the Twin Cities, including St. Paul city attorney.